On our way to India, my husband and I took advantage of a twelve-hour layover in Abu Dhabi. I had never been to the Middle East before. More so than the culture shock, I was deathly afraid of the oppressive heat. We would be traveling to Abu Dhabi in July when the heat is pretty much at its worst.
Even while dressing conservatively (long pants and shirt) and running around like mad, we still managed to have an awesome time. There’s been a slew of new attractions added since we visited a few years ago, so I’ve enlisted the help of some top travel bloggers for suggestions should you want to visit soon! Much of the research on “things to do in Abu Dhabi during a layover” is still a bit scarce. Fear not — we have you covered. Try a few of these, or try them all!
Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
Contributor: Stephanie, Wandering Why Traveler
At the top of every Abu Dhabi visitor’s list is the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. And why not? It’s one of the most impressive structures in the Middle East and the largest mosque in the country. Like a dreamy vision, it seems to spring from nowhere as you driver nearer and nearer to it. Impossibly white and unfathomably grand, don’t forget to pick your jaw up from the floor every now and again.
Every single angle offers a remarkable opportunity for a photo, so you might want to walk around first and then circle back a second time for pictures. Really, don’t live behind your camera — take in the grandeur firsthand before snapping away!
Keep in mind that security tents are separated by gender. Women will be expected to put on an abaya (provided by the staff) before walking around the mosque. I was dressed in long sleeves, a high neckline, pants, and a head scarf and I was still made to put it on. However, it’s surprisingly light and only adds to the rich cultural experience. The dress code is taken seriously, so please be respectful. If your hood (for women) does not remain over your head — they will quickly remind you to cover your hair!
A Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi.
Contributor: Paulina, Paulina on the Road
Abu Dhabi is a glittering gem among the treasures of the UAE. It makes its mark on the travel map of the world. One thing irreplaceable and unmatchable is the Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi. The best thing to experience on a visit to Abu Dhabi is going on a desert safari to popular places. The top places for desert safaris include Rub Al Khali and Al Khaznah. Whether you want an inexpensive desert safari or a five-star experience, Abu Dhabi has a myriad of operators who offer tours to suit your needs.
You can go for a morning desert safari, an evening desert safari, or at midnight. However, mornings are the best time to experience a desert safari with cool temperatures. You can even opt for an overnight desert safari if you prefer stars over hotel ceilings. It is great to experience sleeping in a tent in the desert and witness sunrise in the early morning.
The must-do things in Abu Dhabi include camel rides and a camel farm visit, quad biking, dune bashing, BBQ dinner at a Bedouin Camp, shopping for recyclable clothing brands from regional markets, and camping under the stars.
The Louvre, Abu Dhabi.
Contributor: Ania, The Travelling Twins
The Louvre is the biggest museum in the world. Recently the museum opened the only new branch of the Louvre in Abu Dhabi.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a place where you can see the most famous art pieces in the world. If you want to be dazzled by these sculptures and paintings, then this is your chance. You also get to see some of the best architecture in the world too. The Louvre Abu Dhabi was designed by architect Jean Nouvel and even if you are not into the art, visiting this architectural marvel is an adventure on its own.
The nine museum galleries show in chronological order the history of human art. The Louvre Abu Dhabi offers exceptional moments with all of these beautiful things in front of you that make up an incredible piece of art history.
The combination of the artifacts and the building design makes this museum better and more impressive than other museums around the globe.
Standard tickets for adults cost AED 63 (US $17), kids 13-22 years old AED 31,5 (US $9), children below 13 are free to enter.
The best part – there are no lines or crowds!
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.
Contributor: Diana, The Globetrotting Detective
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is one of the most awesome amusement parks and the largest indoor theme park in the world. It’s located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
Are you ready for the most thrilling and heart-racing fun of your life? Ferrari World is all about speed and adventure.
There, you’ll find 40 epic rides and mind-blowing attractions. It hosts four really cool zones, the Family Zone, Italian Zone, Adventure Zone, and F1 Zone which offers a lot of fun for families as well as daredevil travelers looking to get their adrenaline fix.
Ferrari World is home to the largest roller coaster of the world, Formula Rossa. It can accelerate up to 240 km/h (150 mph) in 4.9 seconds at a maximum height of 52 meters (170 feet). It will be the craziest experience of your life.
The second major highlight of Ferrari World is the Flying Acres rollercoaster. Its loop is as tall as 63 meters (206 feet) which is the highest loop on the planet. This will leave you feeling breathless.
There are also numerous other stomach-flipping and spine-tingling experiences. Walk on the red roof of Ferrari World or zip line from the top of Ferrari World. It cannot get any crazier! Or can it?
Do you want to feel like a real drift champion? Jump in a go-kart and race on the 290-meter-long (950 feet) go-karting track of Ferrari World.
And that’s not everything! There are a whole lot more surprises awaiting you in one of the most awesome theme parks that exist on the planet.
The Emirates Palace.
Contributor: Stephanie, Wandering Why Traveler
Have you ever walked around a city and thought to yourself, “You know something, I really want to feel like shit about my income”? Then Emirates Palace is the place for you!
OK, OK. I’m being facetious. But, as you walk beneath the gigantic chandeliers and marvel at the gold-adorned everything, you’ll find yourself wondering WHO CAN AFFORD TO STAY HERE!? The good news is that even if you can’t afford to spend the night, you are still able to enjoy the hotel in other ways.
The best way? Dining. Pop in to the lobby area or Le Cafe to escape the heat and treat yourself to some camel burgers followed by a camel milk ice cream covered with a 24K edible golden leaf. If you need a jolt in your step, you can opt for the gold cappuccino instead.
Looking for something more substantial? Head to the BBQ Al Quasr restaurant on the premises, voted the most romantic restaurant in Abu Dhabi. The scene is something out of Arabia of a bygone era — think seaside gazebo dining, tons of candle light, and artful fire pits. Treat yourself to middle Eastern barbecue with one hell of a view.
Marina Mall.
Contributor: Victoria, Guide Your Travel
The Marina Mall is one of the most famous landmarks in Abu Dhabi. It sits on the man-made Marina Island right next to the ferris wheel. If you are arriving by car, you can use one of the 4,000 parking spaces reserved for visitors. Most tourists choose to arrive by taxi though so parking will not be an issue.
This mall accommodates more than 400 luxury stores such as Gucci, Chanel, Hugo Boss, Burberry and many more. On an area of 122,000 square meters (over 1 million square feet) spread over 5 floors, you will find everything you need to spend a whole day inside the Marina Mall. The building itself is hard to miss since you can see the attached tower from miles away. The tower is used as an observation platform as well as a revolving restaurant from where you can overlook the skyline of Abu Dhabi.
Inside the mall, you will also find lots of restaurants from McDonald’s to fine dining. Besides lots of shops and restaurants, you will also find a cinema, a bowling centre, an ice rink, and a trampoline park to keep you entertained. The gigantic mall is open Saturday to Wednesday from 10 am to 10 pm and Thursday to Friday until midnight.
Zaya Nurai Island.
Contributor: Arzo, Arzo Travels
Etihad Towers Observation Deck.
Contributor: Stephanie, Wandering Why Traveler
Halfway up the elevator to the 74th floor of the Etihad Towers, you’re likely to feel your ears ‘pop’ and wonder, “Is this really a good idea?” But, by that point it’s too late — and you’re forced to enjoy the jaw-dropping wonder and awe of the Observation Deck.
Get yourself a drink and a decadent desert. After you enjoy both, do a complete lap around the deck and check out the city below from every angle. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of places like the Atlantis resort being built, as well as the sandy shores and unfathomably blue water.
My advice is to go in the late afternoon when you can watch the sunset and you’re able to take in the scene both in the daytime and the evening when the lights outside begin to twinkle. Play some pool, grab another cold drink, and don’t forget to marvel down through the windows while simultaneously wondering, “How did I wind up HERE!?”
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